Iranian pistachios offer various advantages that set them apart from competitors. Greater choice is offered to customers through four main commercial varieties. Additionally, higher meat content offers better value for money. Iranian pistachios have a world-famous taste that is unrivalled. This taste advantage is enhanced by roasting Iranian pistachios at higher temperatures, made possible by higher unsaturated oil content. This high temperature roasting eliminates any bacterial contamination, which may be present in raw product. The following list details the five major advantages of Iranian pistachios:

Variety There are many different varieties (cultivars) of Iranian pistachios. The following four go into international trade: Fandoghi (40% of pistachio orchards), Kalleh-Ghouchi (20%), Akbari (15%) and Ahmad-Aghaei (12%), with the last two on the rise. Each variety has its own differing properties and flavor.

Higher Kernel to In-Shell Ratio Iranian pistachios have a high kernel to in-shell ratio, meaning you are buying a higher amount of the edible kernels for the same amount of pistachios you buy.

Roastability Due to their higher unsaturated oil content, Iranian pistachios have the capacity to be roasted at between 160 to 180°C (hot air stream temperature). Good roasting brings out the unique flavor of the nut, while eliminating any live bacteria from the roasted product. It is obvious that lower roasting temperatures of around 120°C recommended by some suppliers will not achieve the two above benefits.

Taste Over a long period, consumers around the world have shown a preference for the taste of Iranian pistachios. All four commercial varieties of Iranian pistachios each have a rich, unique and distinctive flavor. In this regard, Iranian pistachios offer a combination of unparalleled flavors which gives the consumer choice and variety.

Tradability The large number of producers, buyers, exporters and importers of Iranian pistachios makes for conditions of perfect competition in the market. As a result, fairer trading opportunities present themselves to those engaged in buying and selling Iranian pistachios. In the absence of conditions of perfect competition, the market may face price fixing and market manipulation by influential players.